The Phantom X Has the Chance to Make Good on One Huge P3R Controversy

Summary

Persona 5: The Phantom X introduces a new set of Phantom Thieves, led by Wonder, in an alternate universe.
The game could give FeMC from Persona 3 a chance to shine as a playable character, providing a different gameplay experience.
FeMC’s potential inclusion in Phantom X as a limited banner character may pose a challenge for fans, but her addition could boost interest in future game releases.

Persona 5: The Phantom X can be considered an expansion of the Phantom Thieves’ adventure, even though it’s set in an alternate universe. Instead of Joker and the rest of the original cast, The Phantom X introduces a new set of Phantom Thieves led by protagonist Wonder, who are still driven by the goal of “stealing” and changing corrupt people’s hearts.

The great thing about having an alternate universe is that Persona 5: The Phantom X is not only able to create its own story, but it’s also able to rewrite it. This is why Goro Akechi is a playable character in the mobile game, despite being canonically dead in the original Persona 5 universe. Likewise, this could open doors for other characters to join the fray, such as Persona 3‘s female protagonist, who didn’t show up in Persona 3 Reload.

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Persona 5: The Phantom X and P6 Could Be Two Peas in a Pod

Persona 5: The Phantom X could build hype for Persona 6 with crossover content, prequel chapters, and key story tie-ins.

Persona 5: The Phantom X Could Give Persona 3’s Female Protagonist the Spotlight She Deserves

Also known as “FeMC” by fans, Minako Arisato or Kotone Shiomi is the female counterpart of Persona 3‘s main protagonist, Makoto Yuki. She only appears in Persona 3 Portable, and because the game’s story originally focuses on Makoto’s experiences, FeMC’s story is considered non-canonical and occurs in a separate timeline. When Persona 3 Reload was first announced, many were hopeful that FeMC would make her much-awaited return, but Atlus decided to skip the female protagonist for the remake. Producer Kazushi Wada cited that it would be difficult to include FeMC in Persona 3 Reload due to the lack of time and costs, which is understandable, but many fans were still upset.

This is where Persona 5: The Phantom X could come in, as it could jump on the chance to make Persona 3‘s FeMC a playable character in the future. She is described as the polar opposite of the male protagonist with the same backstory, and her starting Persona is also Orpheus, who is gold with red accents. Meanwhile, FeMC’s Social Links are slightly different, which at least gives fans a renewed experience after completing Makoto’s run.

Most of Phantom X‘s main characters are new, and the original Phantom Thieves also make an appearance in the game to help out Wonder and his peers. What this tells fans is that Phantom X could be an effective platform to bring together different Persona universes to create an exciting world that feels brand-new and, at the same time, familiar. The appearance of Persona 3‘s FeMC in the game could give her an opportunity to live a life that’s not exclusively tied to Makoto’s lore, and ultimately, resolve fans’ complaints about not adding the female protagonist to the remake.

The Pros and Cons of Persona 5: The Phantom X’s FeMC

Perhaps the only caveat to this is that Persona 5: The Phantom X would likely make the FeMC a limited banner character, just like Akechi. Similar to any gacha game, Phantom X launches exclusive banner characters with Personas in every big update, allowing players to pick the ones they want on their rosters, especially when facing powerful enemies. Likewise, many players also invest money to complete their virtual collection of banner characters. While the feeling of playing with gacha mechanics can be addictive, it can also be seen as a potential challenge to fans who want to finally play as Persona 3‘s FeMC. Still, it’s undeniable that fans would likely take the chance and pull for her if the opportunity presents itself.

With Persona 5: The Phantom X soon getting a Western launch soon, FeMC could be an interesting addition to the game’s roster, making the rollout even more special if she’s part of the limited-time banner. Likewise, the gacha game could help market Atlus’ future games, such as the rumored Persona 4 remake and Persona 6, and include crossovers if possible.